Forum Discussion
Gdetrailer
Jul 24, 2020Explorer III
groundhogy wrote:
Gas cap is unscrewed.
Fuel pump puts fuel into the bowl.
?Starting fluid seems to have no effect.
New and clean carb.
Unit had not been started in a couple years.
I found a bit of old gas in the tank beforehand.
I poured a small amout of new gas in, swished around and emptied. Did this 2-3 times.
Then before first start attempt, I unscrewed fuel bowl screw and pulled cord til some of the fuel spilled out in attempt to get to fresh gas.
Then start attempts began.
I pulled carb again, but jets were still clear.
Check for spark.
Bypass the oil level sensor.
Replace the plug.
You have to have three things for an engine to run.
Fuel, seems like you have it since it will start but shuts down.. but may not be getting enough after running. Squirt a starting fluid does not change anything (external fuel source).
Compression, questionable at this time but most likely OK since it is starting but shutting down.
Ignition, some spark at least since it is starting.. However, shuts down after starting means the ignition might be shutting down..
Oil level MAY be too low and when starting it is just high enough to not turn off the ignition but when engine runs the oil level drops slightly due to oil being picked up and splashed around. Oil sensor shuts down the ignition.
Out of level operation, need to make sure engine is fairly level especially if your oil level is slightly below the Full mark.
Try adding a couple of ounces of oil (you want the oil level to be SLIGHTLY ABOVE to "Full" mark on these engines). Cold temps can affect the oil level since the oil is thicker and may not fall back down fast enough.
Bad plug not firing well under compression? Yes, that is a real possibility and does happen, especially if you have flooded the engine badly enough to wet the plug. Plugs are cheap and easy thing to change and typically most small engines come with a cheaply made plug.
I would try disconnecting the oil level sensor first. If runs fine then add a small amount of oil and retry with sensor connected..
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